Stuffed Italian Sausage Recipe
If you’re looking for a meaty, cheesy, absolutely irresistible dinner that feels a little bit special but requires minimal effort, this Stuffed Italian Sausage recipe is your new go-to! It’s bursting with gooey mozzarella in every bite, smothered in tangy marinara, and scented with a whisper of Italian herbs. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or craving a satisfying weeknight meal, these sausage links are all about comfort, flavor, and fun. Trust me, once you’ve tried this dish, you’ll be dreaming up excuses to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love that the ingredient list for Stuffed Italian Sausage is both wonderfully short and powerfully flavorful. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the creamy cheese to the robust Italian sausage. Gather these essentials for a dish that’s big on taste yet unbelievably easy to prepare!
- Italian sausage links: Choose your favorite—mild or spicy—for rich, juicy flavor and that classic Italian snap.
- Mozzarella cheese sticks: String cheese melts perfectly inside the sausage for the ultimate gooey surprise.
- Marinara sauce: This brings tang, sweetness, and a bit of body to both the base and the topping.
- Italian seasoning (optional): A sprinkle adds an herbal aroma and depth—highly recommended if you have it!
How to Make Stuffed Italian Sausage
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400 degrees to ensure it’s nice and hot by the time your sausages are prepped and ready. This temperature is perfect for getting the cheese bubbly and cooking the sausage all the way through without drying it out.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausages
Place the sausage links on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to make a vertical slit down the center of each link—go only halfway through, so you create a pocket for the cheese without slicing through completely. This pocket is key for holding all that delicious mozzarella goodness inside.
Step 3: Stuff with Cheese
Take your mozzarella cheese sticks, unwrap them, and gently stuff one into each sausage. Don’t worry if a little peaks out—it’ll melt beautifully! Press the sausage gently around the cheese so it hugs the filling tightly.
Step 4: Add Sauce
Pour 1/4 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a square baking dish to create a flavorful, non-stick base. Nestle your stuffed sausages into the sauce, then spoon the remaining marinara over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning if you like that extra herby punch.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil—this traps in moisture and helps everything cook evenly. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the sausage is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and gooey. The aroma alone will have everyone running to the kitchen!
How to Serve Stuffed Italian Sausage
Garnishes
Right out of the oven, Stuffed Italian Sausage tastes amazing, but a final touch can make it restaurant-worthy! Try a scatter of chopped fresh parsley or basil for color, or sprinkle on a bit of freshly grated Parmesan for extra richness and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and hearty, so pairing it with something simple is perfect. Think warm garlic bread to mop up the sauce, a basic green salad for freshness, or even a tangle of sautéed greens like spinach or kale. Roasted vegetables also play very nicely here!
Creative Ways to Present
Stuffed Italian Sausage is versatile for all kinds of gatherings. Slice each sausage crosswise and arrange on a platter for easy serving at a party, or tuck the whole link inside a crusty hoagie roll for a next-level sausage sandwich. Drizzle with extra marinara and a sprinkle of cheese for a dramatic finishing touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the sausages cool before moving them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, staying moist and delicious for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
Stuffed Italian Sausage freezes beautifully! Place cooled sausages (with some sauce) in a freezer-safe dish or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sausages and sauce in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350-degree oven until heated through—usually about 15–20 minutes. For a quick fix, you can also microwave individual portions until hot and bubbly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for Stuffed Italian Sausage?
Absolutely! While mozzarella cheese sticks are classic for their melt and flavor, you can experiment with provolone, cheddar, or even spicy pepper jack for a twist.
What’s the best kind of sausage to use?
Italian sausage (mild or spicy) works best, but you can swap in chicken or turkey Italian sausages for a lighter option. Just be sure they’re large enough to stuff!
How do I know the sausage is fully cooked?
The easiest way is to check for an internal temperature of 160°F using a meat thermometer. If you don’t have one, look for firm, cooked-through sausage with no pink remaining inside.
Can I prepare Stuffed Italian Sausage ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sausages and sauce the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when you’re ready for dinner—just add an extra few minutes if cold from the fridge.
Is this recipe keto or low-carb friendly?
It sure is! With just sausage, cheese, and a modest amount of marinara, Stuffed Italian Sausage fits nicely into low-carb or keto meal plans. Just check your ingredient labels for hidden sugars.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Italian Sausage recipe is the kind of crowd-pleaser I can’t wait to share with my favorite people. Whether you’re craving something comforting, fun to make, or easy to customize, this dish has got it all. Give it a try this week and watch how quickly it becomes a household favorite!
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Stuffed Italian Sausage Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Stuffed Italian Sausage recipe takes classic Italian sausages to a whole new level by stuffing them with gooey mozzarella cheese and baking them with marinara sauce for a flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 5 Italian sausage links
- 5 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce, divided
- dash Italian seasoning, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Using a knife, cut a vertical slit down the center of each sausage. Only go halfway through.
- Unwrap each cheese stick and stuff each cheese stick into the slit of the sausages.
- Pour 1/4 cup marinara sauce to the bottom of a square baking dish. Add stuffed sausages. Top with remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle on Italian seasoning if using.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes or until sausage is cooked through.
2. Prep sausages
4. Stuff it
6. Get saucy
8. Bake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed sausage
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Italian, Sausage, Stuffed, Mozzarella, Marinara
